Eastwood\u2019s method is an amalgamation of Pilates<\/a>, dance, strength training<\/a>, ballet and yoga, all whipped into flowing sequences more reminiscent of choreography than an exercise class. There\u2019s a major focus on alignment, as well as \u201cbuilding endurance in the deep core muscles and pelvis\u201d, Eastwood tells me. These muscles work to \u201cstabilise you, so you have amazing power for whatever you do, whether that\u2019s play tennis, hit a golf ball or go skiing\u201d. <\/p>\n One of her favourite exercises for developing core strength and stability is the plank \u2013 the importance of effectively maintaining good posture and transferring power between your upper and lower can never be overstated, in sport and in life. <\/p>\n Below, Eastwood shares a three-minute plank sequence you can try at home, which uses the same principles she employs when training her star-studded clientele. <\/p>\n How to do Monique Eastwood\u2019s plank sequence<\/p>\n<\/p>\n To try this sequence, start in a high plank position then place your right foot on top of your left heel. Keeping your spine long, bend your knees to move your hips towards your heels, then push back through the ball of your left foot to return to the high plank position. From here, with straight legs, move your right leg out to your right side, tap the ground with your toes, then return to the starting position. This is one repetition. <\/p>\n Complete 10 repetitions in total, then switch sides. In the video above, Eastwood demonstrates how to perform this sequence with correct technique, and talks through some handy cues to help you nail your form. <\/p>\n This sequence is far from easy (trust me, I tried it) but you can adjust the difficulty slightly by reducing the target number of repetitions. Try starting with one on each side, then build it up from there. <\/p>\n Read more: Walking for 15 minutes after eating has an \u2018immediate effect\u2019 and can protect your health long-term, expert says<\/a><\/p>\n Benefits of Monique Eastwood\u2019s plank sequence<\/p>\n \u201cThe bodyweight plank is such an efficient way to work your core,\u201d Eastwood tells me. The problem, she says, is that most people don\u2019t execute it particularly well. <\/p>\n \u201cEveryone puts too much emphasis on their shoulders, especially guys because that\u2019s their strong area,\u201d Eastwood tells me. \u201cBut their legs and butt are sleeping, which means everything quickly becomes really hard work. Whereas, if you start to balance the plank between the legs and the glutes and the abs, it becomes an easy exercise.\u201d<\/p>\n Add a few small tweaks and the plank will do more than just strengthen your core too, Eastwood explains. This sequence, for example, provides \u201can all-over workout\u201d. <\/p>\n open image in gallery<\/p>\n Celebrity trainer Monique Eastwood demonstrating an exercise (Monique Eastwood)<\/p>\n By placing one leg on top of the other, the lower leg is forced to support extra load, she says. This provides a bonus challenge for the quadriceps muscles on the front of the thigh, building strength in this area. <\/p>\n \u201cThis sequence also activates the inner thighs and challenges the core and pelvis, as you only have one stable leg while moving forward and back,\u201d Eastwood adds. \u201cThe side tap activates the obliques [the core muscles running up either side of your trunk], as does having to keep your trunk stable as you move the leg out and back.\u201d<\/p>\n Finally, your shoulders are playing a supporting role throughout, building strength and stability in the joint. Not bad for three minutes of work. <\/p>\n![\"Celebrity](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2024-08-29-at-10.36.34-(5).jpg\")
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